Volume 7 Chapter 1 Homecoming And Reunion
The sky, which I looked up at from below for the first time in a long time, was cold and clear, tense with a sharpness beyond the transparent air.
Even though they couldn't be reached, the white clouds seemed as cold as ice, making my fingertips tremble.
October was coming to an end, and the clothing of the people passing by had clearly changed to winter attire.
"Yuusuke-san, is something wrong?"
Lisha called out to me from behind.
She was wearing a warm sweater and a long coat, which she must have bought at some point. In these past six months, Lisha had also become accustomed to this style of clothing.
Looking like this, she appeared to be an ordinary person——though not quite, as she still radiated enough beauty to make Harajuku scouts froth at the mouth and faint.
On the other hand, as for me, after healing from the injuries I had received from Shikin, I had returned to being an ordinary person fitting into Lisha's background.
"No, it's nothing."
Several days had passed since the battle at Kouya Castle. Finally, with my body fully recovered, Kagami-san allowed me to return home.
It's such a relief to have a healthy, functioning body once again. The second half of my recovery was just dealing with a slight fever and some residual pain, so I believe I could have returned home earlier.
However, both Lisha and Tsukiko stubbornly refused to let me go until now. Kagami-san also insisted that I take a break as I'd been showing signs of fatigue lately.
Since new forces have been added to my team, I have to take their word for it, but if I'm always asleep, my body become dull.
"It's even colder today. Your wounds have just healed, so let's head home quickly."
Kanami, who had been walking ahead of us, commented.
She'd been in a somewhat somber mood lately, but it seems she had faced off against Nue in a previous battle, and now her face was radiant. Perhaps she'd conquered something or come to terms with it.
I didn't plan to pry for details, but it's clear that she's also continued to grow as a hero in her own right.
I can't afford to be complacent either.
Knowing that there are new world (Try Order) enemies at the level of Shikin, the battles that lie ahead will be even tougher.
So, once I'm home, I'll begin by retraining my dulled body.
With renewed determination, we boarded the car provided by the Anti-Demon Official. The house, where we've been away for just a month, already felt incredibly nostalgic.
"Welcome back."
"Welcome back."
When we entered the house, Tsukiko and Sharla welcomed us. It seems that Sharla has been training Tsukiko. Honestly, it's hard to believe that Sharla, who believes that the world revolves around her, would take care of someone, but Tsukiko has actually become noticeably stronger.
Such tremendous growth speed.
Even though I haven't seen her actually fighting, I can feel the pressure of a warrior increasing.
Contrary to her appearance, Sharla is a battle maniac who spent an eternal time training in the hell. If it's pure sword skills, she is better than me during the Hero era.
She was probably still training today as well. Tsukiko seemed to have taken a shower, as her white skin was slightly flushed.
"I'm back."
It still feels strange to say "I'm back" in a house where Tsukiko is. I know I have to get used to it, but it's not that easy. I was quite nervous when Lisha first started living here.
As I thought about that, I walked into the living room, where there was another man sitting who wasn't a cohabitant.
"Oh, you're finally back."
"Talk after you finish eating..."
He looked up at me while chewing on beef jerky, dressed very casually in a white t-shirt and jeans.
Even though it was daytime, there were several empty beer cans lined up on the desk, making it clear to everyone that he had already held a modest party here.
No one would think that he is one of the Heroes who defeated the Demon Lord, one of the Four Heroes.
With jet-black hair that seemed to absorb all light and a slightly dark complexion, his golden eyes were the only thing that shone brightly on his overall dark impression.
His real name was supposed to be Kougarou Efitona. He usually hides his surname and is often called "Kou" as a nickname. It took me a while to remember.
"...Hmm. You're back, Yuusuke."
Kou poured beer over the beef jerky and then spoke again.
"Thanks to you."
"You're still the type who won't die even if it's just one step away. Are you deliberately aiming for that?"
"Who would do such a pointless chicken race?"
It's neither fun nor interesting. Only someone like Matsuda would be happy about it.
Kou picked up a can of beer that was on the desk and opened the pull tab with one hand.
A sound of air escaping could be heard.
"Here, cheers."
"...It's right after I'm being discharged from the hospital."
"So that's why. Or are you still weak to alcohol as usual?"
"Shut up."
I took the offered beer in my hand, and Kou opened a new one as well.
"Cheers."
"Cheers."
I quickly gulped down the beer. Even though it had become lukewarm from being exposed to the heater, the carbonation violently stirred in my throat. As soon as it reached my stomach, I felt a rush of heat.
I know it's definitely not good for my body, and I can already foresee regretting it later.
Nevertheless, I didn't stop and drank it all, making a sound in my throat.
By that time, Kou had already placed his can on the desk.
Ah, it's been a while since I've had something like this.
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